Braves News World

“Hallelujah!” That’s what many Braves fans are saying tonight. The Braves released Tom Martin today, putting him out of his misery. He gave up 6 hits, walked 2 and posted a 19.29 ERA in 2 1/3 innings during his horrendous start to the season.

John Foster will take his place as the sole left-handed relief pitcher on the Braves roster. Foster allowed one run and two hits in 5 2/3 innings for Class AAA Richmond this season. He held opposing batters to a .105 average during that span. Braves fans may remember John Foster being highly touted by the team as a fireballer in 2002. He pitched in 5 games for Atlanta before being traded to the Brewers along with Wes Helms in exchange for Ray King before the 2003 season. He underwent shoulder surgery in 2004 and signed with the Braves as a minor league free agent last month.

John Schuerholz is understandably getting a bit antsy watching Tom Martin get lit up like a Christmas tree these first two weeks. On Tuesday, the Braves claimed left-handed pitcher Frank Brooks off waivers from the Dodgers. In 11 games with the Pirates last season he posted an 0-1 record and a 4.67 ERA. He has been assigned him to the Class AAA Richmond Braves. This will hopefully be the precursor to more significant moves that will soon bolster the Braves’ ailing bullpen, especially from the left side.